New Zealand Customs Can Fine You for Refusing to Disclose Passwords

A new law in New Zealand lets Customs officers dangle the threat of a $3,300 fine to anyone who refuses to hand over the passwords and encryption keys to their digital devices.

Travelers who refuse to hand over the passwords to their computers and smartphones to New Zealand's Customs Service could now face a $3,300 fine.

Officials in the country already had the power to search your digital devices. But the new Customs and Excise Act, which took effect on Monday, now lets them dangle the threat of a fine to anyone who refuses to hand over the passwords or encryption keys for their digital devices.

Under the law, a customs officer can search your computers on suspicions that you're committing a crime such as illegally importing certain goods. In addition to threat of a $3,300 fine, travelers who fail to comply could also face prosecution.

According to The New York Times, the country's customs officers would only search files stored on the devices; browsing histories and internet accounts would not be accessed. Customs officials will also refrain from retaining password information.

Last year, New Zealand Customs only conducted 537 preliminary device searches (compared to 30,000+ in the US). Nevertheless, the thought of a stranger peeking into your smartphone is not sitting well with local privacy groups.

"Customs should not have the right to search your data or unlock your devices, any more than they have the right to snoop on internet traffic or force encryption back doors," tweeted Oliver Lineham, a committee member of the NZ Council For Civil Liberties.

In the US, border agents have also been accused of forcing travelers to hand over the passwords to their digital devices. PCMag has a guide on a how you can protect your privacy from such searches when traveling back into the country. One good tip is to carry as little as you can and to wipe your phone's data before entering Customs.